Pilgrims Hospices has its roots in education. We support healthcare professionals to encourage best practice with a range of courses and resources. We run a monthly Best Practice Forum and have a community training space for hire, the Ann Robertson Centre.

Farriers Flyers pedal for Pilgrims

Posted on 2 May 2013

The Farriers Flyers, a team from the Farriers Arms, Mersham, Ashford have entered a team for the Pilgrims Hospice Cycle Challenge on 5th May 2013 and are aiming high with their fundraising. The ten strong team with a combined age of approximately 525 include Ken Severs (75) a retired miner, Nigel Ambler a retired postman and Steven Griffiths the director of Community Safety at Kent, Fire and Rescue Service.

David Hardie, team organiser spoke about the challenge, “Five of the team are committed to a charity ride from Lands End to Ashford later in May. So the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge was a perfect opportunity for us to raise funds for such a great cause whilst at the same time putting in some much needed practice. With the other five members we are going to complete the 75 mile challenge. Each team member has committed to raising at least £100.

“I blame the power of social networking. Jill Cross, a ward clerk and volunteer at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford, knew I had done charity work in the past and having come across my Facebook profile, she persuaded me this would be a great venture to join in. So keen are the team that Ken is coming back from holiday early so that he can ride too.”

Deirdre Mewse, Fundraising and Marketing Assistant said, “It is great that the Farriers Flyers are behind the challenge. We would love more teams to take part in the ride so that we can hit our target of 1,000 riders this year. We will be looking forward to seeing them on the day.”

The Cycle Challenge offers a choice of routes, either 45 miles between the Ashford and Canterbury or Canterbury and Thanet hospices, or a 75 mile route which takes in all three hospices. The Cycle Challenge raised £83,000 last year with over 700 riders taking part. This year, the charity is aiming for 1,000 riders and a total of £100,000. If you would like to enter a team contact Deborah.kellond@pilgrimshospices,org, 01227 812621 or sign up online at www.pilgrishospices.org. Registration costs just £25 and is open to any cyclists over the age of 14.